Financial Aid and Community Colleges: Budget Cuts in California

As a result of the lack of government funds available for higher education in California, it has been more difficult for a low to average income college student to achieve their academic goals compared with students from wealthier families. It is especially important now, during the wake of the budget crisis, to provide increased support for community college education. Keeping the workforce active is an essential step toward our economic recovery. Yet, in the midst of rising tuition costs and soaring living expenses, Community colleges lay panting at the bottom of the governor to-do list, while universities receive the majority of the financial attention. 

Community college education can be seen as one of many progressive efforts that have become an integral part of ‘leveling the playing field’ for American citizens of all ethnic, gender based, and economic backgrounds that have historically played the ‘underdog’ in society. However, with depleted resources, this worthy cause is unable to make headway. According to a press release produced by the Community college Chancellors office, Chancellor Thomas J. Nussbaum was quoted as stating that, “Every student we turn away represents a lost opportunity and a broken promise to the people of California. The community college system is ready, willing, and able to (help) every motivated person gain the education and skills they need to be as productive as they can be. But we can only accomplish that if we are given the resources...” (Macintyre, 1)